By CHINTU MALAMBO
The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Zambia Statistics Agency, has intensified efforts to improve agricultural data collection and policymaking through the 50×2030 Initiative.
Supported by the World Bank under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Statistics Capacity Project, the initiative aims to enhance the quality and timeliness of agricultural data, strengthening Zambia’s agricultural statistics system.
Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, John Mulongoti, the project will run from 2025 to 2027 and will include integrated agricultural surveys covering farm income, production methods, machinery assets, and post-harvest losses.
Speaking in an interview, Mulongoti emphasized that the initiative is crucial for guiding policy decisions and improving productivity in the sector.
“Reliable data is the backbone of effective agricultural planning. This initiative will enable us to track progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in food security and gender equality,” Mr Mulongoti said.
He said the Ministry is also prioritising climate-smart agriculture by promoting conservation farming, improved irrigation systems, and the adoption of drought resistant crop varieties to help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
Mr Mulongoti said Strategic partnerships have been central to these efforts, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) and other stakeholders playing a key role in advancing research, technology adoption, and value chain development.
He highlighted FAO’s contribution to improving soil health, post-harvest management, and market access for smallholder farmers, particularly in maize and soybean production.
“Through these collaborations, we are building resilient agricultural systems that ensure food security while creating economic opportunities for farmers,” he noted.
As the government continues to invest in agricultural sustainability, Mr Mulongoti reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policies that attract private sector investments and expand regional trade.
He urged stakeholders, including financial institutions and agribusinesses, to support ongoing initiatives that empower farmers and enhance productivity. -NAIS
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